Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 340 views
I thought I would slow down writing on socio-political issues since I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon and spending most of my time there on such issues, but I need to pen down more than 140 characters for this particular issue.
Remember the covert mission by two Al Islam journalists who went undercover to spy on Catholic church by pretending to be Christians and taking part in its rituals – receiving and spitting out the Holy Communion wafer for photographs – believed to take place somewhere in April 2009? Malaysians were only made aware of such unethical and insensitive actions of Al Islam journalists after a police report were made in July 2009 after an article titled “Tinjauan Al Islam Dalam Gereja: Mencari Kesahihan Remaja Murtad” was published in the May 2009 issue of Al Islam magazine.
In the latest development, our very wise and forward thinking Attorney General has decided to let the two Al Islam journalists of the hook, without any reason given for such decision. So he is playing judge as well, deciding whether criminals can be let free or not, eh?
The duo were then investigated under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.
It was reported yesterday that the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, through the officer in charge of the case, had sent a letter to the complainant telling him that the AG’s office would not be pressing charges.
No reason was given for the decision.
Well, guess who came to the AG’s rescue for his decision? Khairy Jamaluddin, Umno Youth chief, who also happened to be the first Malaysian Muslim politician to condemn the action of the two irresponsible Al Islam journalists when the issue came out.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin (picture) said today the Attorney General’s decision to let two Al-Islam magazine journalists off the hook for allegedly desecrating Catholic Communion hosts should not matter so long as the magazine has “learned its lesson from this episode.”
Allow me to use famous point-form blog writing style ala Che Det here.
1. Stupid reason for not prosecuting.
‘So long as the magazine has learned its lesson from this episode‘ is one of the most stupid reason for not prosecuting.
What kind of signal the government is trying to send out? That rule of law can be undermined by politics? This episode happened way before the cow-head incident (happened in September 2009), churches arson attacks (happened early of January 2010) and pig head incident (happened end of January 2010).
When it happened, no swift and immediate action was taken, apart for the usual condemnation by politicians and promises to investigate the matter. Because of the efficiency of such inaction by the government and the authorities, it gave some sort of blessings for more untowards incidents to happen after, which we witnessed.
2. Lackadaisical action by the government and authorities in dealing with ’sensitive’ matters like this.
Lackadaisical action by the government may have led to a perception that certain groups of people with vested interests and subversive tendencies have the immunity to carry out their despicable acts to disturb the peace and harmony in the country.
When the ‘cow head incident’ took place, the government and the authorities took the ‘cow head incident’ played down the incident, taking it lightly and were even seen to show some support and sympathy for that provocative, senseless and insensitive action (Hishammuddin ‘Keris’ Hussein even went to defend cow head protester!). Malaysians couldn’t help but to think that those people had the blessings of someone or some groups with the required political clout to protect them.
Thanks to many sensible Malaysians who made it clear that such nonsense and ineptitude cannot be tolerated. Had it not been for the public outcry over that heinous behaviour, those responsible would not have been charged in court. Even that has been rather slow and lacked the urgency or importance for a highly-sensitive provocation with seemingly religious overtones.
3. Missed the train? Get on a plane, chap!
In few Twitter exchanges with Khairy Jamaluddin – @khairykj regarding his comments over AG’s decision, he explained that his comments were in the context of now, as we have missed the train.
@bongkersz Perhaps, but the train has left the station on ‘taking action’. Tensions must be eased first. 3:36 PM Feb 26th via UberTwitter in reply to bongkersz
Well, if I miss the train, I’ll be sure to take a plane to catch up, or at least give chase and not letting the train goes without me. To be honest, Malaysians are sick of inactions over matters like this, not the timing of such actions to be taken. Also interesting to note, this argument by Khairy.
He, however, argued that the decision may have been reached to “balance out” the racial and religious tension caused by the “Allah” row in a bid to prevent further unease.
Funny, because these two journalists were investigated under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion. Now, instead of using available laws provisioned to take care of offences that will jeopardise harmony or unity, we should ‘let go’ to get the same result – maintain harmony and unity? Aiseh, this is so confusing..
“I don’t want to speculate on the reason..but there are things that you can take to court and others best to leave it to other sensible ways for solution,” Khairy said.
Letting them off the hook is a sensible way of solution? This ’sensible’ solution is to please few stubborn extremists or the many good Muslims and Malaysians? Are we going to sacrifice the rule of law under the pretext of maintaining peace and harmony at the mercy of few troublemakers? What, they got the AG (government, police and KJ) by the balls now? Malaysian is held hostage by these crooks?
Many good Muslims out there would see the wrong committed by these two journalists and to press charges would bring satisfaction to many. (except for people like Ibrahim Ali) Give Malaysians more credits, they are wiser now and united to crush any element of chaos and destruction to their peaceful and harmonious living.
4. Glaring inconsistencies
Why we are letting some people off the hook for major issues, but calling heads for minor issues? Why the cow head protestors are charged but the two Al Islam journalists not? Would there be a lesser sentence meted out for the cow head protestors later if they are found guilty, because this is their first offence and they have learned their lesson well? Just recently, Malaysians were mind-fucked by this piece of news:
Man who raped minor gets sentence reduced
SEREMBAN: A 32-year-old odd-job worker had his jail sentence for raping a minor reduced by 10 years, after the High Court here took into consideration that he was a first-time offender and had cooperated with the police.
WTF is that?
Oh, I think Gunasegaran of The Star should use such argument over his caning article episode. Home Ministry is considering to take action against The Star and Gunasegaran for sedition (see what I said about inconsistencies?) so maybe Gunasegaran should say he has learned his lesson too. For greater impact, Khairy Jamaluddin can help to put out a good word for him and The Star too.
We cannot, in any way compromise the security, peace and harmonious living of the Malaysian community. We must reject those who use it to gain political superiority and power. Anything that threatens these vital requirements for a progressive and tranquil way of life should be dealt with swiftly while imparting a strong message to the perpetrators of the severe consequences of their actions.
The government has to set strong examples that Malaysians do not condone any disruption to their normal way of life, so enjoyed and valued for a nation of great hope. The right decision must be made in a swift and consistent manner.
ps: Of course, I am writing this with the assumption the rule of law still has meaning here. *chuckles*
Quoting Pete Teo in his reply to me when I tweeted that I was going to write this entry to highlight the inconsistencies of the government in dealing with Al Islam issue.
Consistency? That assumes the rule of law still has meaning here. Rule by cabalistic fiat is the new byword.
Have a great weekend peeps!
Posted in 2 cents, BN-ism, Bee End, Blogosphere, Boleh-ism, Bolehland, Current Affairs, Democracy, Idiocy, Idiots, Mainstream Media, Malaysia, Observation, People, Politicians, Politics, Quote, Rants, Thoughts, Tweets, Twitter | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 1,527 views
It was a normal routine, me poking fun at political dinosaurs, weird-stupid-ridiculous statements and news happening in Malaysia…
Just like the other day, I was tweeting away on #themissingrmafengine, #bendera, #hamsoR, #BImoviesinBM, #dinorais, #easilyconfused, #jibby, #macha etc. There are few regulars who would contribute to the ‘topic of the day’ – @kavilan, @anthraxxxx, @Asohan, @CKGord, @Aisehman, @stephendoss, @altimet, @victorliew, @plenteh – just to name few. What else to keep us entertained on any boring working day but some good laughs, right? Let’s worry about the work productivity later..
“Saya kata jangan….”
Rais Yatim has been consistently making headlines for the wrong reasons and his recent remark on social medias – Facebook and Twitter is just too juicy to bite on. Malaysian tweeple have been tweeting about Rais Yatim and his culturedly ancient views for the past few days, and #dinorais was used to refer to tweets about him.
Well, probably it was not catchy enough but yesterday, after I sent out a tweet with the hashtag #yorais, Malaysian tweeple went amok and the rest is history.
The first #yorais tweet
Few trivias on #yorais
1. Rais Yatim doesn’t have a Twitter account, yet his name made it to the top 3 Twitter trending topics.
2. Rais Yatim is probably right that Malaysians are too immersed with Facebook and Twitter lol. Either that or Malaysians love him to bits…
3. #yorais is a parody of the famous Yo Momma jokes, but creative tweeple came up with various versions of it – your eyes, you raise, your ass, nyior ais (iced nyior 
) – making fun of the pronunciation along the way. The funniest one must be by @duuuhvina : ♫ #yorais me up, so i can stand on mountains ♫
Read up blog posts by these awesome tweeple on how #yorais took Twitter by a storm stories:
@spinzer of Perpetual Tockism – #yorais – A Malaysian-made Twitter Trending Topic Story
@icednyior of The Zestful Nyior – Malaysian Twitter Users put Rais Yatim on Trending topics
@timothyteoh of tim thinks that*** - More on the #yorais effect – the Malaysian Twitter phenomenon (w/ transcript)
@cheeChingy of cheeChingy -#yorais
@tjunkie of Confession of a Terminal Junkie – Rais the Twitter sensation #yorais
@euveng of Evo’s Space – If Rais Yatim #yorais Had Everything done His Way…
For more #yorais stories, Google it up!
ps: I’m not sure whether #yorais making it to the Twitter trending topics is actually a good thing or not, since we are exhibiting our lame duck, backward and out of touch with reality Information Minister for the whole world to see. *weak smile* Good thing is, it unites Malaysians in a perverse kind of way…
Posted in 2 cents, Already Femes..., Blogosphere, Boleh-ism, Bolehland, Current Affairs, Friends, Fun, Funny, Humour, Idiots, Me, Observation, Obsession, People, Politicians, Politics, Silly, Social Media, Tweets, Twitter | 7 Comments »
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 828 views
Another rambling post.
This is to answer few questions by friends especially after I posted my ordeal with the customs yesterday. Many friends commented in my Facebook Notes and asked me in Yahoo Messenger, Gtalk, MSN, Twitter these few questions:
“All these trouble for WHAT again?”
“Why do so much since its just a trial unit? Send it back la. Wasting money only.”
“Aiyoh.. is it worth all that trouble just to test the product?”
Well you get the idea. My friends were asking me why would I want to do ’so much’ and why I need to ‘trouble’ myself to such extent just to get a trial device which I need to return back later. And also, why I need to waste my money paying for this and that just to get the clearance.
Money. Well, WOMWorld Nokia has agreed to pay for all the related charges so I don’t have to pay any, but that is beside the point.
The point is, you guys are asking the wrong question. The question should be;
‘Why this particular customs officer makes it hard for me just to get a trial device?’
‘Why he created so much troubles and unnecessary problems just for ONE TRIAL device?’
My dear friends seemed to suggest that the best solution is to give in. Sorry but I have to disagree. If by giving in to such ridiculous request is a solution, then indirectly I am helping to keep this kind vicious cycle in perpetual. We always blame the system every now and then but we choose to do nothing when given the chance to do so.
And why is the tendency to blame the victim eh? Just like how some people blame rape victim for walking alone, dressing sexily or provocatively etc, snatch victims for bringing the handbag, walking on the wrong side of the road or just being ‘careless’?
Well I may not be exactly a victim here, more like a disgruntled customer/citizen wanting to be treated fairly but you get my point on ‘blaming the victim/helpless’ mentality prevalent among some Malaysians.
Allow me to sidetrack a bit and touch on a favourite topic among Malaysians. Corruption. Since I have so many comments directly or indirectly hinting the possible element of corruption in my dealing with the customs, I think it is only fair for me to write a little bit on that.
Malaysians love to paint the many enforcement units as a corrupted bunch of scums. To be fair, Malaysians also play a big part in making them as such. We are guilty if we bitch about the system and do nothing when given the chance but keep feeding the system, indirectly or directly.
The analogy is simple. If I ask and you don’t give, there is no deal, right? Morality is relative here, who is more guilty – the giver or the taker – is up for debate the point is both are guilty of the act. It is a vicious cycle and people are making their decision to keep it in existence with every actions they would take without them realising it or not.
Back to the complicated, troublesome customs procedures I need to go through to get my N900. Did I ask for, or want to have such complicated procedures, troubles and problems to go through just for a trial device? Who creates the problems and troubles in the 1st place? Did I not comply to the necessary requests and yet was given a hard time by the officer?
Of course, given choice I would just sleep at home and let it go. Hell I would not go to work if I am given the absolute freedom and liberty to choose. But, I need to. I am fighter, I would like to think as such. It is a waste of my good education *cough cough* if I don’t put it to good use. We should do our little bit of fights and not letting bullies trampling us with no resistance at all. Keeping silence, is not always the best option. It is only apt for me to share these wise words to decribe political apathy;
First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out–
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out–
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out–
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out–
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me–
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
(A popular poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemoller)
To be honest, it is actually not so much a trouble for me to make few calls, surfing some websites, checking up the related acts and procedures and then explaining things in a understandable language so that the relevant people can weigh in my side of the story and judge things as it is.
Thank you my good friends for the concern. I love you people and I also expect more of myself. 
And I think I just killed more people with the length of this post. Reading is good for you, people~!
ps: With my awesome negotiation skills *grins*, who knows I may get the device after I trial it?
Posted in 2 cents, People, Personal, Politics, Quote, Rants, Thoughts | 2 Comments »
Thursday, October 1st, 2009 759 views
I laughed my ass off when I read that Isa Samad was named as BN’s candidate for upcoming Bagan Pinang by-election. Is it Umno so devoid of good candidates that it needs to put a recycled thrash for contest? Funny how BN apologists started the battle by defending its candidate credibility at the word ‘go!’.
Predictably, just like how they usually do whenever people question or criticize any decision made by BN, they would use the idiom ‘pot calling kettle black’ on the person by pointing out incidencies where similar decisions were made by BN’s political enemies (in this case, PR) in order to justify BN’s action for doing so.
For this, they would always assume the critics are speaking on behalf of the other party (in this case, PR) and supporting the past actions taken by PR (which was pointed out to justify BN’s decision) So how BN people defended their party action for nominating Isa as the candidate for the Bagan Pinang by election?
By pointing out that PR accepted Zaid Ibrahim who was also found guilty together with Isa Samad by Umno Diciplinary Board for involving in money politics. Their reason is, if people can accept Zaid Ibrahim (especially PR supporters), why not Isa Samad? Their reason, both were found guilty for the same offence.
Zaid was found guilty and given warning but he lashed out at the Disciplinary Boardfor its decision and he earned a suspension for doing that. Yes, he was suspended for criticising the Board in the media. Not for money politics. (I hate the term ‘money politics’. Bribery is bribery. What money politics? Ah, that was the my idealist doppel ganger speaking out.) Pak Lah then called him back to be the Law Minister and the rest is history. So, why he was not sentenced? Not enough evidence? Interesting to note that Umno Youth Chief was also given a warning for the same offense as Zaid Ibrahim last year before he won his position now in the party election.
Isa Samad was found guilty for money politics and sentenced to 6 years suspension which was then reduced to only 3 years for reasons only Umno knows. Isa quietly accepted his fate, while Zaid made a big noise over it, he even challenged the board to prove the allegation. Berani kerana besar, takut kerana salah, anyone?
Clearly, we can see how Isa and Zaid Ibrahim ‘earned’ their suspensions from Umno. One for criticizing the Discplinary Board for issuing a warning for his offense and another one for being found guilty and probably with more evidences too since not a warning but a sentence was given. Hey, I’m quite good at spinning lol!
Putting all the arguments on who is more guilty and who’s not aside, the only question Umno needs to answer is: Is there no other better candidate to offer but Isa Samad? Someone with a better background (although this task, for Umno is like finding a needle in haystacks) and credibility? After all it is a strong seat for Umno and with 5000 postal votes ehem, according to political gossips mill are secured, so why not try to do the right thing for once?
Maybe Umno has become so desperate to win that it has no qualm to compromise everything. Just imagine, Hishammuddin the Home Minister which is also one of the Umno Supreme Council member could come up with things like. ‘Halal guilt and haram guilt’. What the fuck is kosher guilt and sinful guilt? I don’t know. Then, another idiot who I forgot the name said choosing Isa as a candidate is a “necessary compromise”.
Ok, that’s enough craps from Umno or else some of my Umno friends reading this may think I am so much in love with Umno and that’s I can’t stop talking about it. An analogy given to me by a friend is that his father hates him smoking, so the father keep on nagging and telling him to stop smoking, for one and only reason – out of fatherly love. I replied, “Well your father probably wanted to say you’re an idiot for killing yourself slowly but decided not to say because because it would be reflected on him. Saying your son is stupid, is as you’re telling the world you don’t know how to teach your son.” Ehe!
If it is of your interest, do join me wasting time in Twitter, pretending to solve political complicated political issues in 140 characters. Check out the tweets by the usual suspects on Malaysian politics in Twitterville: @khairykj @auzani @syahredzan @carribeanking7 @victorliew @ckgord @nxa0004 @Aisehman @bongkersz @anthraxxxx @stephendoss @walski69 @timmysay @radarpath
ps: Going to Kuching tomorrow for PTD test on Saturday Don’t laugh, I’ll choke slam you.
pss: I’m ‘merempit-ing’ starting today. Car still in workshop. Vroom vrooomm!
Posted in 2 cents, Bolehland, Current Affairs, Democracy, Friends, Malaysia, People, Politicians, Politics, Social Media, Tweets, Twitter | 2 Comments »
